My wifes 01 Supercrew had the tailgate cable pop off the other day- it came unscrewed from the tailgate. I went to screw it back in, but there is nothing to screw it into. Whatever was there to accept the bolt is gone. There seems to be an access panel on the tailgate (appx. 48 x 8) that I cant seem to get off- it like its being held in place from inside but I cant see how. I slightly bent up the panel trying to remove it, then lightly tapped it back in place- now I have a ding on the outside finish. So, what was in there to hold the bolt, can I just use a regular nut with a washer if I can get my fingers in there, and whats with the access door ?

thanks,

 

Once you get all the torx bolts off that access plate it sometimes needs a good whack with a rubber mallet or dead blow hammer to loosen it up. You still won't be able to access that bolt area though, it will take some small hands to get up in there.

 

bump.......